Posted on: Friday, September 17, 2004

University may cut 3 top-level positions

By Beverly Creamer
Advertiser Education Writer

Acting University of Hawai'i President David McClain is considering down-sizing the UH administration system by eliminating three top-level positions and rearranging some personnel, duties and lines of authority.

Such changes in top-level administration would both save the university money and streamline the bureaucracy: McClain likes to compare it to tailoring down an oversized suit of clothes.

"I guess what we're trying to do overall is to tailor our size at the system level to our available resources," he said.

Under the plan being suggested by McClain, the chief of staff position held by Sam Callejo would be eliminated, as would the vice president for international affairs position formerly held by Joyce Tsunoda and the vice president for external affairs position formerly held by Paul Costello.

If those suggestions go forward, Callejo would assume the position of vice president for administration formerly held by J.R.W. "Wick" Sloane, which is currently unfilled. Tsunoda's former responsibilities would be moved to academic affairs.

As well, a new chief financial officer would be hired in the wake of Sloane's departure in June. What's not yet clear, said McClain, is to whom a new CFO — without the title of vice president — would report.

The current associate vice president for external affairs is Carolyn Tanaka, who has been performing those duties at a lower salary than the one paid Costello. Tanaka would report to Callejo as does Jan Yokota, the current director of capital improvements.

Reach Beverly Creamer at bcreamer@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8013.